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San Francisco 49ers: 10 Best & Worst Case Scenarios for the 2016 Season

By Peter Panacy

Oct 18, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers free safety Eric Reid (35) jumps up with cornerback Tramaine Brock (26) to break up the pass intended for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) on the final play during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Baltimore Ravens 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers free safety Eric Reid (35) jumps up with cornerback Tramaine Brock (26) to break up the pass intended for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) on the final play during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Baltimore Ravens 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) carries the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) carries the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 9: Running Back Carlos Hyde’s 2016 Efforts

2015 was supposed to be the year in which running back Carlos Hyde broke out onto the NFL stage. Week 1 showcased this possibility, but a nagging foot injury eventually forced the talented back onto the shelf during the second half of the season.

Hyde has since slimmed down and could wind up thriving in head coach Chip Kelly’s offense this year. Primarily a inside-zone runner, Hyde’s impact might be major in what was an anemic 49ers offense just a year ago.

Best-Case Scenario

In a perfect world, Hyde would emerge as the best running back in the NFL on the season. And if Kelly utilizes him in the right manner, it might not be too bold of a prediction to make.

A lot of this will hinder on San Francisco’s offensive line — a unit revamped after being one of the worst run-blocking groups in the league last year. Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked the 49ers O-line at No. 30 out of 32 teams in 2015.

Should the pieces fall into place, Hyde gets his breakout season and becomes the force the Niners were hoping for when they drafted him back in 2014.

Worst-Case Scenario

Injuries aside, opposing teams lock down on Hyde as they recognize the 49ers lack enough offensive weapons elsewhere on the field. Defenses realize Hyde is the only legitimate threat to beat them, and every team’s game plan winds up focusing on the talented back.

Even worse, the 49ers O-line doesn’t showcase the vast improvement for which fans are hoping — a scenario which hinders Hyde’s chance to impact the game.

Speaking of the O-line…

Next: No. 8: Changes to the Offensive Line